MIAMI, FLORIDA — Aeronautical Engineers, Inc. (AEI) has signed a contract with EgyptAir for an AEI B737-800SF freighter conversion. The aircraft (MSN: 35560) is scheduled to commence modification in October 2022.
The authorized AEI Conversion Center, Commercial Jet, in Miami, Florida, will carry the conversion and maintenance requirements.
EgyptAir currently owns three Airbus A330-200 freighters, with a capacity of 60 tons per aircraft. EgyptAir’s cargo operations have grown during the COVID-19 period. The company has started new routes to accommodate the need to transport medical items and agricultural crops. Once completed, this will be the first AEI B737-800SF converted freighter to be owned and operated by EgyptAir.
AEI is currently the only conversion company to have ETOPS 180 approval on the 737-800 freighter conversion. Additionally, AEI is able to convert all 737-800 line number aircraft, including those with Split Scimitar winglets.
The AEI converted B737-800SF freighter offers a main deck payload of up to 52,700 lbs. (23,904 kg) and incorporates eleven full-height 88” x 125” container positions, plus an additional position for an AEP/AEH. The conversion also incorporates new floor beams aft of the wing box, a large 86” x 137” Main Cargo Door with a single vent door system.
AEI’s forward-thinking design allows for containers to be loaded into the aircraft a full 16.5” aft of the forward door jamb, ensuring ground operators have sufficient maneuvering room, which minimizes potential door and aircraft strikes. Additionally, the AEI B737-800SF includes a flexible Ancra Cargo Loading System, a rigid 9g barrier, five supernumerary seats as standard, a galley, and a full lavatory.